March 26... It is officially 6 days into Spring. Nope it doesn't look like it for many of us, but in the spirit of things let's believe it is just around the corner. And with Spring comes the wonderful things that we love such as flowers, green grass, robins and the Spring edition of our favorite magazines!!

http://www.elledecor.com/

http://www.traditionalhome.com/

http://www.vogue.com.au/culture/interiors/vogue+living+magazine+march+2013,21818

Well maybe the magazines aren't on all of your lists when you think of Spring, but they are a wonderful inspiration to me. 

Does anyone notice a re-occurring theme when you look at these covers?

PINK PINK PINK

So let's check out some great spaces indoor and out that feature pink to get us inspired.

http://interiordomaindesigns.com/blog/blog/2012/02/08/pink-rooms-not-just-for-little-girls/

http://blog.athomearkansas.com/

http://apartmentsilike.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/pink-rooms/

Tell me this bathroom doesn't take your breath away.... Wow!

Pink is not generally my go to color, but these spaces are inspiring me to broaden my horizons. A touch of pink here or there may just inspire Spring to show up!

Outdoor Pink

http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=768

http://www.fififlowers.com/2010/04/u-t-under-pink-trees-in-paris.html

Let's Get Our Pink On!!

Fall....doesn't it just conjure up images of crisp cool mornings, falling leaves, warm apple cider, fall scented candles?! Fall is my favorite season for all these reasons and many, many more.

Fall is a wonderful time to decorate and welcome the new changes seen outside.

Here a couple things to keep in mind....

1. Keep it simple.


While bringing the outdoors in may not be as large as this for you, you can begin with several branches of leaves that have changed color in a tall vase.


2. Look to you local grocery store or market for items to use to add a splash of fall color, or go with a monochromatic color scheme.




3. Make sure to add a beautiful welcome outside your door. Light a candle when you know your loved ones will be arriving home in the evening
.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/

4. Fall Mantles (Indoors or Out) If you don't have a mantle create one using a large shelf.







https://s-media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/upload/213006257345305335_0ZL0LTLD_c.jpg

Finally for all the fall parties that you may be planning here are some gorgeous ideas on how to make it your best party ever...

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Today let's talk about front doors. 

I guess I have a personal reason for wanting to talk about front doors; this morning I gave mine a face lift.

I did this at the cost of about $1.00. I bought a can of red paint at Habitat For Humanity for 5.00 and used only a tiny bit to get this look. The door was already blue so I taped off the trim and then taped off a "red carpet" to my front door and then painted with my red paint. It goes perfect with my Americana outdoor areas.  

Our front doors are our "first impressions" of our homes and should be welcoming. This welcoming feel can be created by adding your house number in an interesting finish, a fresh coat of paint, flowers, an interesting light fixture to warm the space, etc.

Below are some fabulous front door ideas for you to contemplate and seek inspiration from.

http://blog.build.com/door-hardware/front-door-paint-ideas

http://blog.build.com/door-hardware/front-door-paint-ideas 

http://interiordec.about.com/od/christmasdecor/ig/Holiday-Front-Door-Decor-/Door-with-magnolia-cmas-wreath.htm

Notice how color changes the complete look of a front door. Lowe's, Home Depot or places such as this sell sample amounts of paint colors which is plenty to paint your front door and most are for less than 5.00 dollars.

I know this is my second post in one day...okay so I am excited to write about what I love. <3


This post is about one of my favorite styles. Transitional. By definition, Transitional is what it sounds like; the transitional between two different styles. Most often used between Traditional and Modern. This style epitomizes what I love. I love elements of new and textures and weight of old pieces. Feminine, yet strong. 


Here are images of a Transitional entry way that captivates me.





http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/room/transitional/entryways/4932/index.html#/id-4933

I am currently quite infatuated with entry ways. Maybe it is because I don't have one. This entry way is thanks to HGTV.com 


I want to make sure that I clarify that the images I use are not necessarily my work; some will be but I will note when there not. I love the modern elements of color, glass, and leather contrasting the rustic entry table and the Gothic inspired mirrors. This is a beautiful meeting of old and new. The height of the mirrors balances the bulk of the side table. The juxtaposition of heavy and streamlined, gloss and texture makes this space an inviting entry way.


Okay now before I lose those of you who say this space can't be achieved do to the expense of these pieces let me challenge you a bit. Here is how you can create the same "feel" as this space without having the exact same elements.


1. If you have two lamps that are similar in size spray paint them to be alike.
2. Create the entry table out of old barn boards and simply eliminate the arch that is seen beneath.
3. Upholster an old bench with remnant fabric to give it new life.
4. To create the same affect as the large Gothic mirrors, why not stop by an antique store and purchase old distressed windows that are tall and narrow or simply buy some large old frames and dry brush them with black paint to make them the same and then lean them against the wall.
5. Always, if at all possible have fresh flowers. Now I know you think...EXPENSIVE. Not so. Last week I cut three tall branches with green leaves and placed them in a vase and it was gorgeous. Also, Hostas are in their full glory right now. Why not use three or four of the large leaves in a glass vase?


Most of us do not have large entry ways like the one shown here so we can go with somewhat smaller elements to fill the space.


Now....go forth and design!

Welcome

Hello Everyone,
Today, July 4th, I am doing something that I committed to doing on my list on New Years resolutions. Seven months later, yep, seven months, but at least I am doing it. My resolution, to begin a design blog.

 Let me tell you a bit about myself for those of you who don't know me well. I am a 34 year old woman following her dream of a career in Interior design. It is not just something that I enjoy, it is something I become thirsty for and do as a therapeutic pass time. I am also a wife of 16 years and a mom to two beautiful, challenging, smart and  fun children. My family....

Aidan and Summer                                      Wendell and I at the flower show.

All right folks. Now that you know a little bit about the very basics of me. Let's talk design...

There are very few styles that I don't love at the very least appreciate. 

Modern, Eclectic, Contemporary, Traditional, Transitional, Mediterranean, I could go on and on. Victorian is probably the only style that I have had a hard time embracing but as you can see in this settee that I LOVE touches of it can be gorgeous. The modern simple fabric helps this piece to step into this century while still embracing the stylings of another era. Can't you just see this in a fabulously feminine office design.

I love to create spaces, both residential and commercial. I also love to create floral designs. To keep this post from becoming to long winded I am going to only share on of my most recent projects, which is our church platform area. Here is what it looked like before...

This was the home of the Traditional service and has been this way for about 20 years. We recently had some change in venues and now this is used for both the Contemporary Service and the Traditional Service. I was asked to used some of the built in fixtures, such as the wood wall in the background and the stone that can be seen so it was a challenge in bringing the old and the new together. Here are some of the design solutions offered...

and these are the after photos....this is bad I realized just now I have no "after" photos....well...to be continued....